Herbert signs bill requiring Utah abortion stats

Contributed

SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Gary Herbert has signed legislation that requires Utah to collect more information about abortions that take place in the state.

The law Herbert signed Friday requires the state Department of Health to deliver an annual report on abortions in Utah to lawmakers.

Republican Sen. Margaret Dayton of Orem crafted the legislation and says the state already collects some data from physicians as part of a federal requirement, but this would provide lawmakers more information when considering any future abortion laws.

The report would include the number of abortions performed, how far along the pregnancy was when the abortion was performed, and the race and ethnicity of women undergoing the procedure.

Opponents say the legislation is an intrusion by government into private life.